KCTV5 to simulcast Royals home opener, 9 other games during 2026 season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - KCTV5 is excited to announce the continuation and expansion of parent company Gray Media’s partnership with the Kansas City Royals for the 2026 baseball season.
The broadcast partnership between the Royals and Gray Media will bring select Royals games to fans for free in up to 18 markets and eight states. It also will highlight the team’s significant community outreach and impact initiatives.
This second year of the successful partnership features a historic moment for Kansas City baseball fans: the broadcast of the Royals’ home opener on Monday, March 30, against the Minnesota Twins, which marks the first time since 2007 that the home opener will be broadcast for free over-the-air in Kansas City.
The game will be simulcast on KCTV5 and KSMO-TV in Kansas City.
Throughout the 2026 season, KCTV5 will broadcast 10 regular-season games across Gray Media stations throughout the Midwest. The expected broadcast schedule includes:
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (CT) |
|---|---|---|
| March 30 | Minnesota Twins (Home Opener) | 3:10 p.m. |
| April 24 | Los Angeles Angels | 6:40 p.m. |
| May 22 | Seattle Mariners | 6:40 p.m. |
| June 12 | Houston Astros | 7:10 p.m. |
| June 18 | St. Louis Cardinals | 6:40 p.m. |
| July 17 | San Diego Padres | 7:10 p.m. |
| Aug. 7 | Chicago Cubs | 7:10 p.m. |
| Aug. 21 | Detroit Tigers | 7;10 p.m. |
| Sept. 4 | Toronto Blue Jays | 7;10 p.m. |
| Sept. 7 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 1:10 p.m. |
Beyond game broadcasts, KCTV5 will showcase the Kansas City Royals’ outstanding community outreach and charitable initiatives throughout the season, sharing the team’s positive impact on the Kansas City community.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Royals again in 2026 to provide free over-the-air Royals games to a championship fan base here in Kansas City,” said KCTV5 general manager Curtis Miles. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to bringing quality sports entertainment to the community we serve, and we’re proud to also highlight the exceptional work the Royals do to make Kansas City better.”
Cullen Maxey, Royals president of business operations, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership: “We know that KCTV5 helped bring the personalities and talents of our exciting team to a broader audience, so we’re thrilled to continue and grow our partnership. We want to build those connections with fans, and we’re thrilled they can continue to access our games on cable, streaming, and local TV.”
For more information about broadcast times and schedules, visit KCTV5.com .
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